On behalf of BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group, Ashley Cooper discusses how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating can support the industry to build healthier indoor air quality into the very fabric of a home.
Delivering homes which provide residents with good indoor air quality is essential to ensure the property can offer both thermal comfort and a healthy indoor environment. One key aspect is airborne particles, as the movement of dust, dander and allergens can exacerbate or trigger respiratory disease symptoms. With 5.4 million people in the UK living with asthma, it’s crucial to the public’s health and wellbeing to improve indoor environments and reduce triggers.
There are many aspects within a property and individual rooms which can improve or deteriorate indoor air quality, but one major culprit is the movement of problematic particles, such as dust and allergens. These particles can’t be easily avoided, but when airborne, they begin to cause more issues, especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems.
As underfloor heating emits radiant heat, the system doesn’t require any forced air to create thermal comfort – instead, radiant heat warms the very fabric of a room. Plus, as underfloor systems are entirely hidden within the floor, there aren’t any hard-to-reach components, such as coils or panels, where particles can gather and become propelled into the living space when the system is active.
Even heat distribution
Ensuring even distribution of heat throughout a space is imperative. Underfloor heating achieves this important aspect thanks to a series of continuous loops fitted under the floor – either within the screed or within specialist panels – which creates a large radiant surface that heats a room from the floor up.
In situations where parts of a room are much cooler than others, when the warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces such as walls or windows, condensation may gather. This moisture then provides an ideal environment for mould growth and, therefore, poor air quality, due to the mould spores. Pollutants such as dust and allergens can also get ‘trapped’ in poorly heated areas of a property. While ventilation plays an essential part in good indoor air quality, from an energy conservation and security perspective having windows open during the cooler months isn’t always an option.
The only heating system which can heat all surfaces in the room evenly is radiant heating – specifically hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating. As underfloor heating transforms the whole floor surface into a large heat emitter, it ensures even heat distribution and maintains even temperatures, keeping the air free from pollutant build-up. Importantly, it helps to minimise condensation, reducing the likelihood of mould forming.
In addition, thanks to the stable and consistent temperatures created by underfloor heating, it also maintains and balances humidity levels, further improving indoor air quality, and the delivery of comfortable living environments.
Seamless sequencing
The reassurance of good indoor air quality can be built directly into the fabric of a property when a screeded underfloor heating system is specified. Most systems integrate seamlessly into the construction process, with flexible options available at both oversite and weathertight stages, depending on build preferences. This adaptability makes it a practical solution for managing project schedules and site logistics. There is also an array of flexible systems available for every sub-floor construction – from floating options, laid directly onto a sub-base of concrete or chipboard, or in between timber battens, ideal for upper floors, to fully bespoke systems for solid wall or listed properties undergoing renovation.
Due to the flexibility of underfloor heating, most types of floor coverings can be used with the system – including carpet. However, it’s essential to consider the floor finish during the initial system design, along with other critical factors.
This approach ensures that the chosen floor covering does not negatively impact the performance of the underfloor heating system and allows both elements to work together efficiently. This is particularly important when different rooms have varying finishes, such as carpet in the living room and solid wood in the kitchen.
By understanding the thermal resistance of the floor coverings, the underfloor heating system can be designed to account for the correct pipe spacing and the required water flow rate to compensate for heat loss. Collaborating with a system supplier is critical to developing an underfloor heating and flooring solution that balances performance and aesthetic appeal for future homeowners.
From a space-saving and interior design standpoint, underfloor heating is also completely concealed within the floor structure, allowing every inch of floor and wall space to be fully utilised. This gives housebuilders and homeowners total flexibility with the floor plan, making it easier to arrange furniture and fixtures without restrictions.
BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group is the UK’s national trade association for underfloor heating. Its members can be relied upon to provide quality systems and components backed up with great design, customer service and trustworthy advice. Visit beama.org.uk to learn more and to contact a BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group member.
Ashley Cooper is a member of the BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group